You may have noticed that the blog was quiet last week. I needed sometime to just step back and breathe. As I was speaking with Donalyn Miller (@donalynbooks on twitter) this weekend, I realized that I am sort of feeling like I am in that first year or teaching or first year of being a principal again. In August, I transitioned out of my position as an Elementary Principal and into a position doing Program Support for Instructional Services. Basically what it means is that I wear a lot of hats. Some of those hats are very comfortable and I feel confident in what I am doing. Other hats are requiring that I learn some new skills. Mix all of that together and I am finding that I am still learning the rhythm for my new position. Additionally, my reading life is somewhat topsy turvy.
But here are a few title from my recent reading endeavors:
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by Eric Litwin; Illustrated by James Dean - Who doesn't love Pete the Cat?
The Official Book Trailer for Pete the Cat Saves Christmas:
Batman Classic: Batman versus Man-Bat (I Can Read! 2 book) by J.E. Bright: Illustrated by Steven E. Gordon, Eric A. Gordon - I was just curious to see what an I Can Read version of Batman would be like. I kept thinking that with different formatting this would work well for older kids who were struggling to read.
Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World by Temple Grandin, Sy Montgomery - As part of my goal to read more nonfiction, I picked up Temple Grandin's book. This biography has lots on Grandin, her work, and about living with autism.
A Thunderous Whisper by Christina Diaz Gonzalez - If you haven't read anything by Christina Diaz Gonzalez, then you should. I am now looking forward to whatever book she writes next.
What I am currently reading:
After seeing the movie version of Perks of Being a Wallflower, I started to read the book written by Stephen Chbosky.
Official Movie Trailer:
So what are you reading this week?
Oh did you like Perks as a movie? I've read the book, and I like Emma Watson a lot but I was hesitant to go. I'm saving my movie $ for Argo and Breaking Dawn Part 2 (I know, I know, but it's a thing Kate and I do. It's tradition now...)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of these. I'm reading Pivot Point right now. It's good.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of Pivot Point but will have to check it out.
DeleteI've never read Perks either. Will be interested to see what you think. I have the Temple Grandin book on my to read shelf in my bedroom but haven't read it yet.
ReplyDeleteAlethea and Katherine - I loved the movie but I hadn't read the book so I didn't have anything to compare it with. I downloaded the book right after the movie since I wanted to see how the book is. I thought all of the main actors did a great job, and I would go see it again.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued with The Perks of Being a Wallflower, my ten year old wanted to read it until a good friend advised me that it isn't suitable for her age yet - any striking difference between the film and the book? I hope I get to read this coming-of-age novel soon. I've also recommended the book of Temple Grandin to most of my teacher-trainees here in Singapore for them to know more about autism. I should pick this one up too for myself.
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading the book so I can let you know the differences at some point. But yeah, I wouldn't recommend it for a 10 year old. I probably would have been the kid to read it in 7th grade and been fine but I would recommend it for 8th or 9th grade on up.
DeleteOh Pete the Cat. Kids in my class are singing his song on a pretty constant basis. I will need to get this Christmas title. I think I will add Perks to my TBR list. It has been on my radar with all the movie buzz. But I want to read it first!
ReplyDeleteI think I am glad I didn't read it first. Usually I am disappointed in the movie if I read the book first. Now to finish the book.
DeleteI have the Pete the Cat Christmas book on my nightstand right now. A favorite character with my 3yo :)
ReplyDeleteMaria @novalibrarymom.com
Pete the Cat is great - enjoy it.
DeleteWe often read super-hero I Can Read Books at our house, but with my pre-schooler. I agree, if the format was different, more like a graphic novel, it could appeal to older students who struggle with reading.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the preview for Perk of Being a Wallflower, but wanted to read the book first, you'll have to let us know what you thought of the book!
Usually I try to read the book before seeing the movie but a friend wanted to see it. So yes, I will report back.
DeleteI love "topsy turvy" to describe how I feel this year, too! It's interesting the learning curve that comes with a new position. I feel super connected with the department I'm in but it also leaves little time for myself that i was used to before! We made it to October at least. I have a feeling the year will go really fast. :)
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